Crash and Burn…And Get Back Up

"When you play it too safe, you’re taking the biggest risk of your life. Time is the only wealth we’re given." ~ Barbara Sher

What are you up to today?

Today.

Are you playing it safe? Are you doing what you've always done? Are you towing the company line? Are you doing what's expected?

And how does that make you feel? Really and deeply, how do you feel about that?

Perhaps it is good.

Perhaps, though…you feel some twinge to be more authentic to who you really are.

There's this one little thing, though.

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one." ~ Elbert Hubbard

Failing.

Will you crash, will you stumble and look foolish? Will you somehow fail?

Yes.

Yes, you will. You WILL have some things that just don't go the way you're hoping. And that may feel painful for a while.

There is good there, though. It is most definitely there. Believe it.

And Nature Speaks to Us
Let me share a personal experience that happened. Recently, I was in Arizona, with my oldest son and a cousin on mine. We were there to do some mountain biking (and jeeping…which was a whole lot of fun…although it doesn't relate to this story).

None of us are expert mountain bikers. So, we chose to do an intermediate trail (because we happen to sometimes let our heads get a little bigger than they should…) in the beautiful and scenic Sedona area of Arizona. This trail proved to be challenging for us, although still also do-able (well…there were moments where we were wondering about that, too…).

…back to the story.

We had been out for several hours, out in the backcountry of this beautiful locale. And we approached a flat, easy biking area (note: there weren't a lot of these areas on the trail we had chosen!). I happened to be the lead biker at the time (how I had taken that position…I'm not sure!!)

Around a corner I came, and was greeted by a large flat rock area…that dropped off to another large flat rock area.

The few people we'd seen on our way out (we were coming back at this time) had walked their bikes down from one rock area to the next.

I was sure I could land it…that I could jump from one surface down to the next, without walking my bike. (do you see my brilliance shining through????)

The next thing I remember, I am sliding across the lower rock, face down. Meanwhile my bike is upon these rocks, some distance behind me.

After coming to a stop, I slowly (very slowly!) stood up. One glove is ripped, and my hand is swollen. My chest hurts. I cautiously walk back to my bike. My son, Jakob, explains to me how he came around the corner to see me flying through the air (I don't remember that part…I just remember skidding across that rock after *crash* landing!). He, after seeing this, decides to walk his bike down the rocks! (he's good with lessons like that!)

Anyway, I came away with a badly bruised hand, and what I think is a cracked rib.
[Note: Please do not use any of this information as medical advice. What I did should have probably involved a trip to the nearest medical center.]

And I got back on that bike. Back on, and we rode for several hours after that.

Was I less carefree after that? Perhaps, yes. (I was well aware of my hand and chest at this point!)

However, I was also more aware of my surroundings. I was seeing these rocks in a new light. The trail became more real. The obstacles…something I put more focus on. And in all, a greater appreciation for the natural surroundings all around me.

Back to The Day to Day of Living
What happens when we take a chance? When we try something new? When we "jump off that cliff"?

Sometimes, some pretty amazing and wonderful things happen.

And sometimes…some very challenging things happen, too.

Sometimes…we fail.

…or so it appears.

What if.

What if we choose to get back up, brush ourselves off, and get back on that bike that's taking us down the trail of life?

When we do this – we can soar to new heights!! We can, because we are looking now with new eyes, at what before our taking of this "chance", was just a possibility. So, even when we fail, when we falter, when we fall – there are still such great, great things we can come from this!

"I failed my way to success." ~ Thomas Edison

Take a chance. Do something a bit out of your comfort zone. Live your life!

Today.

Because tomorrow is no guarantee.

Postlude
I'm looking to leap here in this space, too. More on this in the coming months, as it all comes together. Rest assured, that this place will still exist, although I'm ready to move toward Jungle 2.0. And there might even be some crashes along the way. I'm looking forward to it all (I figure it can't be as painful as my chest feels right now!!).

Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he's not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
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Julie,
That sounds very much like a quote I’ve heard from H. Jackson Brown, Jr. And – so true. We might do some things, and maybe even screw up some – still, there’s so much we can take from that. Versus the opposite…not doing…

Lance, what on earth were you thinking? My goodness! Well, I am not very happy with you but this is an article that speaks to the same rhythm in my heart – try new things, dare to do things you are afraid of, go out there and fail, fail often and fail proudly but do them …. Life will unfold in most unexpected ways. Thank you for sharing this story with us tonight! And no more of these stunts next time please, huh? :)!Farnoosh´s Last Fabulous Post ..Listening to my Readers- Launch of Blogworld ebook and the Newsletter

Farnoosh,
Ha!!! Ummm….I think we can safely say I wasn’t thinking (…that or, I was thinking I had some sort of superpowers!!!).

And that life unfolding in most unexpected ways…it really is so amazing, isn’t it!!! Even when things seem like we’re headed downhill fast – the thing is – with perseverance, we can emerge in some very wonderful ways!!

So, I’m with you!! Here’s to living, listening to our heart, and taking some of these chances along the way!! (…even on a bike!!)

You cracked your rib? Does your wife even speak to you right now? Lance, you are lucky I don’t live close to give you a serious talk – and I don’t even have children, where do I get this motherly attitude…. ;)! LOL….You do make me laugh though – please see a chiro or someone and take it super easy til you are back to full health! !!Farnoosh´s Last Fabulous Post ..Listening to my Readers- Launch of Blogworld ebook and the Newsletter

I have goosebumps right now. This is exactly where I am at (again). I could play it “safe” and keep things the way they are… More or less comfortable. I cannot tell you how much that idea repulses me! I must move forward, just as I must breathe. It is LIFE to me.

My plate is pretty full, yet opportunities are coming my way… Some I don’t even know what they are yet but they’re coming. I know it. That is, they’re coming if I step out….

Lance… we must be in sync cos I just hit the publish button on almost the same topic. Well kinda. Except I haven’t been riding mountain bikes… [just life]… but yes… nothing is EVER for nothing. Nothing happens accidentally here on earth I am convinced of that. And as you found out so eloquently.. there is a whole new world out there from the perspective of a more considered and centred [albeit painful] viewpoint LOL [Sorry about that by the way] Something you said a while back has made me a whole lot braver… to say what I want without regret… and do what I want without apology. So thanks Lance for that. You always have good things to say.

Jean,
You know what…it’s great to be living this today, and knowing that you are out there doing that, too. (well…with a little less physical pain for you!!)

And one more thing: Jean, you have an amazing creative gift…and so to hear your words today – that you are being brave – and in that, really LIVING your life – know that this just brings a gigantic smile…and that’s a smile that comes from deep within my heart.

I love the quote and the post and you will like my last post and video- I am finally getting out of my comfort zone and sharing my inspiration on a bigger screen

I can see your brilliance shining through, I know that feeling and then body reminds us that maybe there was another way:) ………
Taking a chance is just one step on the path to your life of freedom and joy- usually no risks no change- stuck- I know 🙁
Love and hugs
SuzieSuzie Cheel´s Last Fabulous Post ..Suzie’s Oprahgeous Dream

Suzie,
Know that I am so excited for you, and for the stepping out that you are doing!! And I’m so looking forward to what this will become for you!!

Suzie, you have such a radiant shine from you, and from that – know that you touch lives with your YOU reaching out to others in some very wonderful ways. I have most definitely been touched by your loving gifts…thank YOU for your very meaningful words today…

Great post Lance! I have been living way out of my comfort zone lately. I have crashed, I have soared. But now, I am kind of tired…I think I need to hibernate for a little bit. 🙂Caroline´s Last Fabulous Post ..Im gonna be alrightand I met Mr Big!

Caroline,
Yes, you have truly been living out of your comfort zone – and sharing that so we can all experience it with you. What a gift that is…what a gift you are!!

And you bring up another excellent point. There’s a time and a season for everything. Rest (or a stepping back) is one part of that which is also so good. So, very wonderful that you are seeing this in you, and honoring that.

Ive crashed a TON in my 40+ years here and youre so right.
its when I learned the most.
if nothing else Ive learned repeatedly that I am resilient.MizFit´s Last Fabulous Post ..4 tips for fighting holiday frazzle

I am healing. In fact, my hand is all better!! My chest…that’s a different story! I AM learning to do things differently, though, because of all of this (like getting out of bed – there’s a tough one!).

The kid (Jakob) – he wanted to go straight for the advanced trails (I’m thinking it was a VERY smart choice not listening to him!!).

You’re on fire today!!! Out of the comfort zone of your bed, and ready to take on the world!! Woo-Hoo!!!

Thank you for sharing your story…I’ve been to Sedona once and I absolutely loved it. The fact that you were mountain biking through there is awesome. You touch on some great thoughts in your post…all of us humans are guilty of playing it safe. We live a life of comfort. We start to do what we are expected to do. I’m right there with you on working to take more chances and expanding our comfort zone. Easier said than done, but it’s good to start trying. Good also to hear about Jungle of Life 2.0…I’m really looking forward to what is ahead here.Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Living With a Sense of Gratitude

Go Lance! I love how you woke up after falling. A great analogy for life. We sleepwalk most of the time, but a jolt can wake us to our truth and our calling. I think those jolts come, as you say, from risk, failure, and trying again. Way to get back on that bike and share your experiences. Leap into Jungle 2.0. We’ll be there to break your fall, watch you soar and learn from your experiences, just like your son.Katie´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Be a Girl

Katie,
Woohoo!! Thanks!!! Yes, I had become “comfortable” in our biking (even though there were challenges along the way, I had kept on moving up until that point). It WAS a wake up call!! I became much more keenly aware of all of my surroundings after this…

Katie, it’s so good to have you along on this ride – thanks for your wonderful support!

Oh you brave soul, you! I let out a chuckle in the way you described it, though nothing about it is funny… 😉 I am just so, so happy you are okay.

And you know what… I have had and heard similar experiences from people in how when for whatever reason we are not fully “there”, nature gives us a jolt to make sure we are awake. How you saw everything after that is where the real gift of all of this lies. It reminds me too of how Robin was explaining in her book, how we must be present to it all… as in the Australian Rainforest, it was a matter of life and death.

In our comfortable and “safe” societies, we have such a large buffer of unconsciousness, hence why most of us live on auto pilot. As long as we look before we cross the road, we are generally speaking okay. But in nature, the rules are so different, because nature is present – always. And “demands” nothing less of us. Oh I love it!Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Book Review- All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

Evita,
I’m not sure if brave is the right word…or if it should be lucky! As in – I was lucky that I could walk (or bike!) away from this!!

Nature jolted me, no doubt! And after this, everything become much more “visible”. Rocks, cacti, trees, the path, other people (the few that we met, anyway!)…all more part of my consciousness. And it was good…

And this most certainly touches our daily living too – not just the moments we are out in nature. It can become all too easy to travel through life in a haze. When we break out of this, when we become more fully aware of our being and the world around us – we just become that much more connected to our own deeper core.

…and that’s a wonderful place to be.

Someplace I know you are very familiar with (and that is, as well, so wonderful).

It would have been more comforting to know that you went for a checkup immediately. However, I am glad to know that nothing more serious happened. Love your message about falling and getting up! Jungle of Life 2.0 sounds exciting! Wishing you every success!Evelyn Lim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Inspirational Story- The Rich Merchant in a Tsunami

Evelyn,
I can’t claim that I’m good at following sound medical advice (I know…not a good move on my part…).

And I’m feeling better every day!! (well…it’s still hard getting out of bed…ouch!)

And this all really made me think about how it relates to life…to the daily life of stepping out of our comfort zone…and sometimes falling. As I venture out a bit into new territory (in the near future), I’m better prepared to take these falls in stride, learn from them, and move on in wonderful directions!! Thanks so much, Evelyn, for all your support!!

I’m imagining that where you fell was way out in the “jungle” of the Sedona bike trails, and it would have been hard to get yourself to a medical facility immediately. If that’s true, then your choices were to lay there and moan (no progress), call for a helicopter rescue ($$$!), walk out (hours and hours), or get back on that bike and ride, after your initial assessment told you that it wouldn’t kill ya. 🙂 Sometimes, in life, we take ourselves way out there on our own trails, and we fall. What we do next makes all the difference.

You rock. Harder than the rock you fell on! 😀

I can’t WAIT for Jungle 2.0. Know that when it comes, we’ll all be out on the trail with you, cheering you on and supporting you. Bring it on! We’re ready! Woohoo!

Laura,
So, you are pretty much right on. We were a ways from any sort of “civilization” when this happened. And truthfully, as painful as it was standing up, once I got on the bike, I hardly noticed any of the pain (rolling over in bed…now that’s a different story!). And here’s the backstory to go with this. Once we got back, my bike buddies (Jakob and Dale) were ready for a break. We still had the bikes, so I went back out by myself for a couple of hours. Granted – by the end of that – I was pretty wiped out. Still, this injury really didn’t affect my biking too much at all. (I feel my ribs more getting in and out of a car…).

So, it definitely hurt (and that rock I landed on WAS a hard one!!) – but it definitely didn’t kill me!! (I love that!)

Laura, thanks so much for all your amazing support!! It means the world to me!!

Dr. J,
This was my first trip to Sedona – wow, what a gorgeous place!!

I didn’t see the airport (just a sign for it) – how cool is that, on top of a mesa!! We flew into the slightly larger Phoenix airport!! Hey, if you’re ever looking for a flying buddy to go to Sedona, look my way!!!

Okay…and being in a plane – YOU being the pilot – I’m sure focus is a pretty important thing! Throw in a few challenges (as it sounds like you had!), and wow!! Nice work!!

Ha!! You know what – that bike was still by best way back out from where we were. Plus, honestly, once I got back on, I hardly noticed the pain. Sneezing, though…now that hurts!! (and makes me whimper and whine!!).

Oh man! Tough lesson. But a very, very good one. I love how timely this post is. I had quite the anxiety attack recently. I wanted so badly to DECIDE to take that leap and try a side photography business. I did a photo shoot (my last free one) and waited for the praise. But it never came, and it got me all worried about the decision I was trying to make. The less I heard, the more frantic I got. Finally, I realized. I wasn’t ready. I had the talent and the desire and the vision, but my inner core needed a little longer to ….mature…… Once I realized that, I was instantly calm and instantly glad I did not make that jump when I wasn’t ready to withstand the fall.

So glad you are okay and you learned a valuable lesson to share with us. And? I’m excited for Lance’s next leap. 🙂Angelia Sims Hardy´s Last Fabulous Post ..Beg- Plead- and Hashtag

Angelia,
Thanks so, so much for sharing this story. That’s part of it, too – knowing when to take a step back. And in doing that, we can re-evaluate and regroup. And from there, we’re ready again – ready to take that leap.

Angelia, I want you to know – your photography is amazing! It really is – I’m not just saying that. You have a beautiful way of capturing your subjects, and in that – it just adds an even greater dimension to these photos. So know that I completely and fully believe in you, and will support you any way I can.

Yes…leaps coming here, too…soon. I’m getting ready right now, and it will probably be a few weeks before I’m fully ready to make that jump…

Oh my word Lance-what in the world???? Go get that checked out, make sure it’s healing correctly! You are one crazy guy, living on the edge at all times. Prayers for complete healing my friend.Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..When Fear Wants to Spoon

Audra,
You really do make a great mother!! (and I mean that with deep sincerity) I know you’ve had your share of visit to medical facilities…having three very active boys in your house. Hmmm…seems like we’ve been there, too, with each of our kids (more than once!).

And this is also where I tell you (it’s like I’m looking at the ground as I type this, trying to avoid eye contact with you…) that I won’t be visiting the doctor (I know…bad move on my part…). I DO think it’s healing, though. My chest feels slightly better the last couple of days (well, it still hurts to sneeze, cough, and laugh…).

Audra, know that your prayers mean much to me – thank you. And having you here, that’s pretty special too. Thank so much for your wonderful friendship!!

Sahar,
Ha!! Well…I’m NOT ready to try some of the thing Mr. Knievel did quite yet!!! A helmet was his friend, wasn’t it!! (it sure was for me!!)

Sahar…you shine!! So, maybe you’ve had a few failures along the way – it’s taking you to great places, though. In fact…I think you are already there (in a great place!)!! And I KNOW that you will just keep soaring higher!!

Wow, sounds like an adventure. I do hope your chest is OK. But thanks for the inspiring lesson. I did mountain biking when I was in Peru a few years ago, and had a nasty accident and ended up in crutches for a couple of months.Henway´s Last Fabulous Post ..Dieting Strategies

Ouch! Hope your rib is OK. I admire your spirit. I feel I am making breakthroughs in pushing out some of my fear – more in the internal than external realm. Not so physically painful.:) But I get the main point – a willingness to go beyond our usual limits. Beautiful idea.

I absolutely cannot wait to see what’s going to be happening at Jungle 2.0. I completely support you.Sandra Lee´s Last Fabulous Post ..How I Focus – 10 Practical Tips

Sandra,
I am sloooowly healing!! And it is all making just appreciate the simple things I’ve taken for granted in the past (like laughing, sneezing, getting up and down, etc). And that’s been really, really good.

Fear…it’s a big one…and one that is so good when we can start to move beyond some of that. I know!!! (and it is that internal stuff that can sometimes be the most limiting)

Lance,
I am sorry about the fall, but so happy to hear you are on the mend and that you came away from it with another life lesson! You have a great sense of humor for someone who probably groans in agony each time they laugh right now!!!

I love the analogies in this post. Comfort zones. Now there is a place I have continually been trying to expand in the last five years of my life. Well, even longer…probably since I have had children! I find that every day there is opportunity to expand in this area. And you are right. We grow so much more when sometimes we push the limits, take our fall, and learn to get up and move on with more clarity and understanding. So many times in my life when I felt that things weren’t working the way they were supposed to they were working EXACTLY as they were meant to….to set the stage for the next great thing.

Sounds like you have many adventures coming up in a new jungle? I will look forward to hearing more and supporting in any way I can!
Best to you, Lance!
JenLittle Lessons Under the Big Sky´s Last Fabulous Post ..Chilling with my cello and Friesen

Jen,
Yes, those laughs hurt! (ha!!) I figure, though – the pain is temporary, the laughs reach in and touch my soul forever…

Comfort zones…the become so comfortable. And comfort is good…except when we become too stagnant in our living. And that’s why moving beyond these comfort zones is so good – we learn and grow in some very amazing ways.

And so – very wonderful to hear about your own pushing beyond the comfort zones! And…as you go forth, know that I’ll support you any way I can in your doing of this.

Thank you so much, Jen, for your beautiful support! I AM working on some changes, and it IS taking me out of my comfort zone – so your enthusiasm and support mean the world to me.

I love your attitude in face of your mistake, Lance. I think we all still have moments of “temporary insanity” when we just don’t see reality. With every Miss-Take comes a marvelous opportunity for a fresh Re-Take. We always have a choice to make… learn from Miss-Takes and correct… or insist we are right and protect our hardened point of view. You could have chosen “woe is me” but instead said “wow is me” and saw the beauty in your surroundings.

Rob,
And you know what…my son’s expression as I was gently lifting myself from that rock…that most certainly said “Dad, you have crossed that line of insanity!”!! (although I sometimes think that he thinks I’m there a bit more often than this one instance!!)

I like that – a fresh re-take!! Yes, it was!! And it felt good to get back on that bike, and continue down (or was it up!) that trail!

Great post, Lance! I can so relate to this after T-boning a dog (totally by mistake) and landing on my head on a recent mountain bike ride 😀 All’s well that ends well, and I’m relieved nothing’s broken…sorry for your injuries, though!

I’m excited at the mention of Jungle 2.0 and wish you all the very best with that!!Naomi Estment´s Last Fabulous Post ..Judgement

So glad you are ok Lance. It is a great lesson. We musn’t give in to our fear. Something like that would have kept people off the bike forever. Sometimes I find myself living too cautiously, but it is the leaps we take that makes us strong and our ability to get back up makes us self-reliant. Great post!Dandy´s Last Fabulous Post ..Accept and be free

I just took my first breath since reading this!! Holy sh*t!!!! LOLOLOL! Oh my sweet friend, you may be afraid of rattlesnakes, but you are one p*ss elegant courageous man!!! LOLOL! 🙂 🙂 I can hardly believe this. And yet….

You remind me SOOOO much of myself. I am like you, I take the knocks, the bangs, the cracked ribs, and keep right on going. My dear husband, is always shaking his head, laughing at me and as he says, “marveling over my resilience.” Last night he said that I’m like the pink bunny that just keeps going and going.

Ahhhh, there was SUCH a sense of freedom reading this. I just love you, and although I’m not as fit as you, I have to do an adventure with you one day. It would ROCK!!! We could do some white water or something that was totally “Whooo hooo” fun!! 🙂 Maybe we can drag Julie along with us.

This whole post just is sooooooo juicy and ALIVE! And….I am so glad that you are okay. I mean you obviously have a hurt wrist and rib, and I will send you lots of healing energy. But at least you are otherwise okay, and more importantly you are LIVING, and you are not letting the “bumps” stop you.

Ohhh, you just made my day so rich. Thank you my dear courageous friend. You devour life. I resonate with that.

Robin,
Okay…so what kind of *trouble* would we get into if we were together!!! (just please tell me it doesn’t involve snakes!!) Ha!! White water works for me!!! I’m thinking the Grand Canyon!! Julie would have to go for it!!

And I AM feeling better. My hand is completely okay, and my ribs are slowly beginning to heal. So…all IS good!!

Lance, this post made me SMILE!!! 🙂 I think that when we take that first step towards possible success …even if we fail, it makes the next step easier! Because failing isn’t so bad, if you can revel in the fact that you tried! You took a chance! Sometimes trying and failing, that alone, right there, is more of a victory than if we would have succeeded!

This is a timely post for me as I’m trying to talk myself out of the next phase of my life because I don’t want to fail! Thanks for the reminder!!!

Natalia,
You are so right – a failed step makes the next step easier…because we’ve seen that this so called failure really didn’t stop us at all…it just changed our course a little bit! And there’s much empowerment in knowing that…

Natalia, know I’ll support you any way I can in you taking those next steps (whatever they are for you). I just know that you are such a shining soul…

I thoroughly related to this post. My husband and I recently traveled to Europe and climbed Mt Vesuvius. Yes it was a hot day, and yes the track we had to climb was slippery and difficult……and all along the way we saw people turning back and going back to the start…never getting out of their comfort zone,….never seeing what was beyond.

Reaching the top was amazing – although it didn’t take very long., we stopped along the way, enjoyed the views, chatted to other climbers, took photos, and then reached the top. Don’t know what was more enjoyable the journey or the destination….definitely a life metaphor for us

I know what it’s like to crash and burn on a bike…and rollerblades…and skis, and snowboarding (oy! the tailbone!) In my quest to transition my career from the corporate grind to something more meaningful and purposed, I’m not afraid to try different things. I’m not afraid to make mistakes. I’ll learn from them and get better.

I’m determined to fail towards success =) (I loved that quote so much it’s now my facebook status for the rest of the week!!Peggy Nolan´s Last Fabulous Post ..Dear Deployment

I love how you took a bruise and made it into something beautiful. Crashing a burning doesn’t have to be all bad. There can be a lot of good from it.

I recently found out I had cancer. At first I was mad, but as the weeks have passed I realize what a wonderful life I have. I was so focused on getting to point B that I wasn’t enjoying life as much. It was a wake-up call that I needed. Life isn’t about our accomplishments, but how much love we have in our life.Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Feel Good about Your Job

LOL, Lance. I’m disappointed you didn’t remember what it was like to fly! 🙂 But ouch… I bet that hurt. Good luck with what you’re up to. I’m very curious.Davina Haisell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Misstakes Dew Happen

Davina,
Ha!!! Completely not in my memory bank at all!! The crashing part, though…that part stuck around!! (what’s the deal with that, anyway!) Slowly…it’s beginning to feel better (well…as long as I don’t sneeze…).

Thanks so much for all your support, Davina. And…definitely, more coming soon on what’s next around here!

Thanks for the reminder that most successful people leave a trail of failures behind them. It’s better to go ahead a fail, get it over with, and get on with becoming a success story!! Get knocked down 9 times, get up 10!!!!Martha Giffen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Is Your Online Business a Tortoise or a Hare

Martha,
Love that – “Get knocked down 9 times, get up 10”!!! So true, as I take a look back – how it is about getting back up, not about getting knocked down. When we consciously choose to get back up and keep going, we are just so much better off….

Lance, thank you for the encouragement to risk and fail. You got me thinking. One can never succeed without being willing to fail. I think of sports and all the failures that the best have to do in order to succeed. These are fun stats for baseball: Most strikeouts: Reggie Jackson, 2,597, yet he helped his 2 teams win 5 world series titles. Most stolen bases: Rickey Henderson, 1,406 led to Most runs scored: Rickey Henderson, 2,295. And I love this quote from football: “Yes, risk taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking.” Jim McMahon, American Football Player.

So, here is a commitment from me to risk being a a big failure so that I can fly to my highest success!

And that’s so true – all of the great athletes…they’ve had moments of failure. And what a striking example – with numbers that seem so high (in terms of what feels like “failure”), yet these were such highly successful athletes!! What great examples!

And – love what you shared from Jim McMahon, too! Here’s to risk taking, falling down, and getting back up to soar!!